1) In physics, a mathematical equation that predicts observed results, but has
no known theoretical basis to explain why it works.
2) In chemistry, a simple expression of the relative number of
each type of atom in a chemical compound.

1) (n.) General: The shape and structure of something as distinguished
from its material. Philosophy: The structure, pattern, organization, or essential nature of anything.
Structure or pattern as distinguished from matter. Logic: The abstract relations of terms in a proposition, and of propositions
to one another.
2) (v.intr.) of form.
3) (v.tr.) of form.

1) According to, or following established or prescribed forms, conventions, etc.
2) Math., logic: Of a proof, in strict logical form with a justification
for every step.
3) Math., logic: Of a calculation, correct in form; made with strict
justification for every step; of or pertaining to manipulation of symbols without
regard to their meaning.
4) → formal language.
5) → formal logic.

A language designed for use in situations in which natural language
is unsuitable, as for example in → mathematics,
→ logic, or → computer
→ programming.
The symbols and formulas of such languages stand in
precisely specified syntactic and semantic relations to one another (Dictionary.com).

A colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor used as an adhering component of
glues in many wood products. Formaldehyde (H2CO)
is obtained most commonly by the oxidation of methanol or petroleum gases such as
methane, ethane, etc.
In the → interstellar medium, formaldehyde is formed the
surface of → dust grains. It is
then converted into gas phase by → photodesorption.
H2CO was the first → organic molecule
discovered in the ISM
(Lewis E. Snyder et al. 1969, Phys. Rev. Lett., 22, 679).

1) Excessive adherence to prescribed forms.
2) Math., Logic: → Formalized expression of a
set of elements; the nature of such expression.
3) A philosophical view of mathematics in which mathematics, including the logic used
in proofs, can be based on the formal manipulation of symbols irrespective
of their meaning.

1) General: The way in which something is presented, organized, or
arranged. Publishing: The shape and size of a book, magazine, or newspaper, including the
typeface, binding, quality of paper, margins, etc. Computers: The structure or arrangement of digital data in a specific type of file.
A computer program accepts data as input in a certain format, processes
it, and provides it as output in the same or another format.
2) Computers: To prepare a storage medium, usually a disk, for reading and writing.

From Fr. format, from Mod.L. liber formatus "a book formed"
(in such and such a way), referring to shape, size; from formatus
p.p. of formare "to form," → form.

1) The act or process of forming or the state of being formed, such as
→ star formation.
2) Geology: A laterally continuous rock unit with a distinctive set of
characteristics that make it possible to recognize and map from one
→ outcrop or well to another. The basic rock unit of stratigraphy.